Verdict
The Redmi Note 14 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers solid performance and features for productivity-focused users. With a vibrant AMOLED display, reliable cameras, and excellent battery life, it stands out in its segment. While powered by a capable MediaTek chipset, the software experience leaves room for improvement due to pre-installed bloatware.
Design and Display
The Redmi Note 14 largely retains the design of its predecessor, the Redmi Note 13, with subtle changes like a curved-edge camera module and a more symmetrical layout. The phone’s rear panel has a marble finish, prone to smudges, especially on darker variants. However, the lighter Mystique White option minimizes this issue. The handset is IP64 rated for basic dust and water resistance and comes with a protective case in the box.
The edges of the phone are flat with rounded corners, offering a comfortable grip. Key placements include a right-mounted power button and volume rockers, along with an in-display fingerprint scanner that’s both fast and accurate. A 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port, and stereo speakers complete the device’s I/O configuration, though the audio can distort at maximum volume.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display supports 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, the display is durable and offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness. It achieves 2,100 nits peak brightness, making it ideal for outdoor visibility. Streaming platforms like Netflix support HDR playback, further enhancing the viewing experience.
Cameras
The Redmi Note 14 features a versatile camera setup:
- 50MP OIS Sony LYT600 primary sensor: Captures aesthetically pleasing images with warm tones and accurate colors.
- 8MP ultrawide sensor: Useful for daylight landscapes, though detail levels are average.
- 2MP macro sensor: Basic functionality for close-up shots.
The phone excels in low-light photography, portraits, and selfies, outperforming competitors like the iQOO Z9s and Realme 13. The 20MP front camera delivers natural skin tones and impressive detailing, enhancing video calls and selfies.
Performance and Software
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, the phone performs reliably for daily tasks and casual gaming. It handles graphically demanding games like BGMI and Call of Duty with ease but lags in thermal efficiency compared to competitors. Benchmark scores indicate it falls slightly short for users seeking top-tier performance.
Running Android 14-based HyperOS, the Redmi Note 14 offers two years of major OS updates and four years of security patches. However, the presence of 66 pre-installed apps (18 of which are third-party) makes the UI cluttered. While most apps are removable, a cleaner interface would enhance the experience. AI tools for photo editing, like object removal and sky adjustments, are functional but need refinement for better results.
Battery and Charging
The 5,110mAh battery delivers impressive endurance, achieving 19 hours and 21 minutes in PCMark tests. This surpasses both the Realme 13 and iQOO Z9s despite their larger battery capacities. The Redmi Note 14 supports 45W fast charging, taking only 32 minutes to go from 20% to 100%—nearly twice as fast as its competitors.
| Smartphones | Charging Speed | Charging Time (20-100%) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 14 | 45W | 32 minutes |
| Realme 13 | 45W | 63 minutes |
| iQOO Z9s | 44W | 66 minutes |
Final Verdict
The Redmi Note 14 starts at Rs 18,999 ($230) for the base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. The 8GB RAM variants are priced at Rs 19,999 ($242) for 128GB storage and Rs 21,999 (~$266) for 256GB storage.
The device is an excellent choice for users prioritizing display quality, battery life, and camera performance. However, those focused on gaming or seeking a cleaner software experience might consider alternatives like the iQOO Z9s. Overall, the Redmi Note 14 delivers a well-rounded package at an affordable price.
